Archive for November, 2016

We are now in the season of Advent…a time of anticipation and preparation in the Church. I used to get really frustrated with the Christmas craziness that surrounded me and how Advent got trampled every single year.

While I still believe this to be true, I realise there really is little I can do about it.

When I was a child I would not allow (yes, would not “allow”) any Christmas decorations up until after my birthday at the end of November. Whether this means I have grown up or not, I have started decorating the mantle for Winter. Eventually it will have some additions for Christmas, and for Hanukkah, but for now, it is simply a reflection of outdoors. I bought two rustic stockings because I like things to be balanced. Eventually I will hang them.

I have a lovely galvanized bucket that I filled with cedar branches from one of the bushes outside. It looks lovely. I have ribbon, burlap and some sparkly stuff to put down. First I have to clean the mirror. Today I hung a small wreath on the front door.

I’m decoupaging candles for the Advent wreath and I wrote a new setting for this year. I’m meeting with colleagues on Thursday to discuss details for the Community Lessons and Carols service. It’s going to be a great deal of fun.

I need to put the finishing details on the Advent Quiet Day happening in a couple of weeks.

My Christmas cards are ready, I need to address and mail them. My Christmas presents are purchased or supplies ready to be crafted. Keeping things very simple this year. I like simple.

I’ve been working on a website for the Church and while it’s a work in progress, things a coming together nicely.

So, while I’m in a place where it sometimes feels like I can’t finish any single thing, I’m in a place where things are getting finished. My house right now is a mess because there are many things happening, but I know, eventually, they will all be finished and my house will be returned to order.

Trying to stress less and enjoy more. To be more fully present without the necessity of a plan. A wise friend is known to mock me when I ask “what’s the plan” and the wistful reply is “for that, you don’t need a plan…it will happen as it happens”. Which yes, does drive me mental. But I’m learning…and that’s something.

As you may have figured out by now, the surgery was a success. The pain was as expected and I ended up with a secondary infection that has since cleared. I will be taking probiotics for the next few months to balance my stomach after two rounds of antibiotics.

So much has happened since I last wrote. I won’t go into the details here. After the surgery I slipped into a deep depression. It was hard work to care for myself once I was home again, and I wanted to be home so I could be back at work…and yet I struggled to do the things I need to do to be healthy.

I slept a lot because my body needed it. I ate when I was supposed to, but didn’t always make healthy choices. I didn’t get out to move as much as I should have because I was sore and depressed. Thank God that has passed and I am back to my usual goofy self. I’ve made some decisions about myself and my life…

I have stopped colouring my hair. I’m going to let the silver come through, or Executive Blonde as I’ve heard it called. I have bought some new clothes and thinned through my closet again. I’m enjoying my body coming back to life after anaesthetic. I’m using my yoga mat again and while it’s very slow, it’s coming back.

During post-surgical recovery I rediscovered Pinterest. I’ve now got great ideas for how to decorate the mantle, I began an easy makeover of the laundry room/powder room and am making over my bedroom. I’m not sure if I’m “nesting” before winter or where the burst of energy has come from, but I’m beginning to feel more like myself. And I like that.

I’ve made a commitment and promise to myself to get outside every day and walk. It may be for kilometers and may be for meters, but every day I will get outside. When you live in the beautiful corner of creation where I do, how can you not get outside?

I’m working with a budgeting program to help keep my expenses in check, my budget balanced and, as of January, begin saving a little bit each month. I’m truly feeling as though I’m gaining control again over the things I can control and that makes me very happy.

This is my first year in ministry in British Columbia. The folks here have not seen some of what I do. And thus far, the feedback has all been positive. We have recognized All Saints and All Soul’s. All Soul’s had it’s own service last Wednesday and it was well received. On Sunday we recognized Remembrance Sunday and it was also very well received.

This week I have a Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph with one of the local schools on Thursday, a Cenotaph Service on Friday morning at 11:00, then another one following at the local Legion, a nursing home gathering at 2:00 pm and that will wrap up Remembrance Day. Whew!

I’m loving this community and learning more about it. Meeting people who have introduced me to the arts community, the museum, and other such wonders has been incredible. I’m enjoying the arts community locally and in the next city over, where I have season tickets to the Symphony of the Kootenays and the Community Theatre.

My work/life balance is the best it’s ever been. And for that I am thankful.